Laboratory Overview

The laboratory focuses on 4 major areas of research.  A major thrust of our work is to understand the molecular basis of how transplanted organs and tissues are rejected, and to develop methods to prevent transplant rejection by inducing immunological tolerance.  We are developing approaches to induce immunological tolerance to allogeneic tissues and organs by modifying the recipient’s immune system through genetic modification of bone marrow stem cells.  The laboratory is studying ways to improve genetic modification of bone marrow stem cells using viruses as gene delivery tools, developing methods to allow for long-term stable gene expression in genetically modified cells and their progeny, and determining the mechanism by which genetic engineering of bone marrow leads to the induction of T and B cell tolerance.  We are also studying the mechanisms that lead to type 1 diabetes.  In particular, we are examining whether inheritance of HLA class II alleles associated with susceptibility to disease can be targeted as a possible therapy for type 1 diabetes.  We are also examining the fundamental requirements necessary for alloreactive T cell activation and the development and regulation of B cells that produce natural antibodies.  Lastly, we have initiated a new area of research in the laboratory to examine the role of microRNAs in lymphocyte activation and models of renal injury and repair.